[Scintilla]

She stiffened at the question. Mei hadn't ever told anyone about her mother. Truth was, she was kept locked in the basement where her father would abuse her, but Mei wouldn't tell Ge that. After a pause, the girl spoke, " ...Mother is with Papa."

Her eyes lit up at the thought of having a cinnamon bun, " Mmn, that sounds great, Ge!" she exclaimed happily, beginning to pull him by the hand towards the bakery. Mei was acting cheerful because she wanted to forget the questions about her mother, and because she was scared that Ge would try to save her mother, himself taking more damage in the process.